SEMA eNews Vol. 15, No. 4, January 26, 2012

Committee Approves Washington State Bill to Exempt Restoration/Custom Shops From Written Estimate Requirement

A SEMA-supported bill to exempt restoration and custom shops from the requirement that they provide written estimates for the repair of any vehicle that qualifies for a “horseless carriage” or “collector vehicle” license plate, or is a “parts car,” “street rod” or “custom vehicle,” was approved by the Washington Senate Labor Committee. The measure would allow restoration and custom shops to bill at least every two weeks on a time and materials basis.

Shops would be able to accurately inform customers of actual costs and materials, removing vagueness associated with shops attempting to “guess” probable time for unique tasks and probable costs for unique and, in some cases, yet to be fabricated parts. The bill will now be considered by the Senate Rules Committee.